Chapter 26

The Calm Before The Storm...the fairy godmothers, Pt. 3: Ro, Pat, and Mads

Still in Michonne's bedroom...

"Michonne are you sure...really? Because, this is not just any broken toe young lady? But the very one that helps you keep your balance, your big one! You do realize that, right?

"And if you don't take good care of the brake, even though hair line. Then you surely for quite some time, most definitely will have wished you had!" scolded Maddie the orthopedic surgeon. Who despite the warning, nevertheless went on with the wrapping of her very stubborn, stuanch minded friend's injured appendage.

And the doctor in the woman, still couldn't quite see her downstairs neighbor determined. Doing what it was that she intended on doing either! Because dancing the whole night away, just in order to prove a point. Especially with her issue, well for lack of a better word was just plain stupid! Even if the woman in Maddie understood where Michonne was coming from.

Good thing she did too!

Because the woman also brought along something not harmful to baby, but exactly right for its mama for any pain! Since it's more then a possibility Miss Willful may be in need of it later on.

"Hey you worrywart! I've done it before," Michonne shot back with a confident smile, and now feeling a whole lot better. "How in the world, pray tell do you think, me able to wear such a cute pair of winter boots with such ease. That I got and wore while in Cleveland too, I had no other choice! It was clearly out of necessity; the cold and the snow! And if anyone just wants a look see, they're the tan ones over in my shoe closet. Besides, don't you trust me Madds? You do know I won't sue don't you!"

And Maddie giving her sorta kinda patient. That certain kinda look, only made the young lawyer giggle prouder.

Oh yeah, this definitely is going to be her night the girl thought with an even broader smile. But quickly was brought out of her revery with Patrice (not the judge), but Ro's sister-in-law's question of.

"Are these the one M? If they are, then girl I'd wrap a broke toe too! They are just tooo kk-ute!"

Ro and Maddie, both genuinely against their own better judgement, certainly did know better agreed as well. Because those boots were just that a-do-ra-ble.

《▪▪▪▪▪》

Rick Grimes slow at showering, stayed in way too long. Hurriedly stepping out, took down one plush towel, and wrapped it around him low. Then walking over to his shaving kit laid out just so; ever ready for the job of tackling his two day old stubble. Noticed the time and groaned out loud.

"What else can happen tonight that's going to be a definite test of my patience?"

Then the man draging his feet ignored the razor, and that was in order to go get dressed quick. It was already six twenty-five, and hoped Miss Rénald would understand him not using it?

《▪▪▪▪▪》

"Wow girl. You want that man to squarm some don't cha!" Ro said looking away from the sexy thing that was now hanging outside of Michonne's walkin-in closet. "And I can see why too Mike always had a problem with'that dress.' It's daaangerous!"

"Yeah it is something else!" Patrice chimed in while sitting right next to her sister-in-law/partner in crime-Ro. Sprawled out right across the lawyer's spacious bed, kinda sorta relaxing, propped on her elbows. And the two ladies now finished with the contributing of making the counselor's night great, still was busy; extremely so!

Both quite occupied with a hand or two and heads, all engaged up in the young woman's expensive box of exquisitely wrapped chocolates. Deliberately and completely absorbed in the picking of only the very best in addition. Which just had to be the nut filled ones; Munchie's most favorites pieces ever.

It's mother noticing, politely cleared her throat.

"Ahem, ladies! Now don't go getting too lost over there. My baby likes the nut one too!" said the counselor pretending to be upset, but totally far from it.

And to show how much the women really did think of Munchie's taste buds. A sampling Ro, just had to smartly point out the glaring obviousness.

"WelI now, I don't see no baby pre se, just its perpetrating mama! So until we do all bets are o-f-f!

And you sista,hiding behind an innocent unborn little Munchie. Shame, shame, shame I say. Get in where you fit in, and for sure that's certainly is not over here lady! So continue on with the getting ready for your fancy dance, along with yout lex talionis in mind. And that's fo' sure while Pat and I happily enjoy the getting of our eat on. Capisce!"

Patrice duly tasting another piece happily echoed, "Yeah, what Rosemary just said!"

Then Michonne not wanting to be out done with the truth. Immediately stuck out her tongue.

And Maddie going over her work, knowing exactly why she made such big bucks. And who seems to also be the only adult in the room period; shook her head amused. And with those same helping hands, also helped her friend with the buckling up a pair of Jimmy Choo's.

The five inch gold suede, sparkly crissed strap pointy high heels. Definitely some of the most sexiest pumps if there ever were any! Had her thinking too, exactly what a puppet master their Michonne could be when determined, or pushed there.

"You do mean business tonight now don't you Hon?" she said smiling.

And Michonne surprisingly walking about without any trouble at all. Walked over to her vanity, picked up one of her most favorite scents-Armani Si Passione. Spritzing it on both wrists, placed a bit behind her ears, as well as leisurely traveled down both sides of her neck. Then after that maneuver, lightly sprayed some in between her boobies, along with a tad more straight down her back. And next for good measure, went squirt, squirt behind the bend of each leg too.

If she don't get 'em when meeting, most certainly will going!

Then with the most infectious smile answered Maddie, "Oh yes, that I most certainly surely do Doc!"

And the door bell sounding out rung softy twice-ring, ring. Surprisingly catching all four lovely ladies off guard, also had them quickly inspecting the clock too. And as they did so collectively thought.

Now who could that be!

Because no way was it the Sheriff, Michonne still had at least twenty more minutes to get ready.

However, Patrice the obvious choice to go answer it, hastily got up and stiffly waddled out. Because naturally Maddie busy with the helping of Michonne couldn't. While Ro extra busy with the feeding of her face would not. It was waaay too early for Sheriff Grimes' arrival. And a girl surely had no intention of moving until then.

But her intentions soon would be short lived once Michonne, walking ever so politely. Surely would go over to retrieve the slender golden colored box; not in demand yet. Loudly resting on top of the high dresser, neatly adorned with a red velvet bow.

And their M definitely in no real hurry, even if it might be her "Date, but not really a date." Slowly pranced over to the closet, even if it meant him having to waited as well. Reached up and delicately catching ahold of the see through garment bag, took it down discreetly. And on her bed, right next to Ro unzipped it even more cautiously.

Michonne surely smiling even more, brought out the outfit ever so carefully.

Then she with the very same gingerness, delicately stepped inside the gown. And did so while still donning her housecoat for modesty. Because this most assuredly will be an almost nude affair underneath.

Since the trademark Barely There Thong, and Deep Plunge WunderBra combo; an Estella original creations. Certainly will see to it that the items, secretively doing the trick of keeping her baby enhanced boobies, truly at quick attention. Will also insure them bouncy free too!

And after securing the form fitted dress securely.

Which Michonne did with a very long, delicate solid gold chain. A definite important part of the dress, doing double duty as a back necklace too. Also had Michonne gingerly wrapping it around her lovely long neck twice; just like a strand of precious gems. Fastened it taunt with a solid gold pearl encrusted "Oopsie free" pendant. Naturally allowed all to hang low, straight down the center of her back just like it should. (A courtsey that had Lance written all over it.)

And just in case there were imperfection (which there weren't). Michonne took both hands along with an even broader grin, used them accordingly, and smoothed out any.

Then going over to the dresser, picked up the gold box and opened it.

"Oh M they're exquisite!" said Maddie having taking great notice of the contents as she came closer.

And that caused Ro the nurse to immediately move much sooner than intended. Because nosiness just got the better of her.

"Where in the world did you get them?" she said getting a closer look too. "Ah, let me guess-Lance."

And Michonne with the buttery soft, cloth like, gold kidskin shoulder length opera gloves in hand replied.

"Uh-huh. They came along with two more pairs of silk ones too; one red and the other gold. And in addition to that were some silicone bra lifts, panties, and a bodysuit as well! All the items were gifts he'd brought over personally! Right after I called to tell him what had happened. And that I would now be wearing something else-instead of Estella's signature piece! Which most definitely would be 'The Dress!'"

And the gifts most certainly welcomed, had a dual purposes besides a job to do. They where also the designer's way of saying, "Sorry!" Lance knew at the fitting he was being a deliberate pest. He was also hopefully hoping to no longer be on Michonne's hit list to be schooled. Which he never ever was, or would be on. Because up until now that list had been exclusive to Mike only!

However the Sheriff, never ever a fool like her stupid ex. Definitely did need to be taught a lesson.

《▪▪▪▪▪》

Patrice Abril Mills, really enjoyingly enjoying the candy, could do nothing but roll her eyes. Pregnancy cravings were truly something else. And her slowly walking up to the door, happily sung out, "Yes, who is it?"

And after having gotten a more than satisfactory answer. Certainly did opened it wide to a different kind of treat.

A crystal clear blue eyed Sheriff Richard Zane Grimes IV, standing right there looking mighty tasty and all kinds of scrumptious!

Who's neat, two day old stubble had the girl deliberately reminding herself; married was she. And exactly just how much she really did love her husband. But sadly, who's name at the moment she found hard to recall.

Smiled a very broad smile, and wondering too. Did those two strands of curls, falling ever so haphazardly off centered from the man's pretty forehead. Were they out of place by design, or was it just by mistake; whichever so, it-most-definitely-did-work!

Then quickly did Pat think to herself-

Well, well if Michonne won't forgive you my dear law man. I most certainly will for her stubborn self, and all the women in the world too!

Because the candy looking back at her all smartly dressed, from his neck down. And genuinely all up in some high-priced Ralph Lauren screamed out, "Heck yeah, yes" for that and then some more!

The four thousand dollar plus cashmere black wool coat, and black vested, two button slim fit tux underneath. Its crisp white shirt, long black tie, and expensive matching leather shoes, making the man's model looks complete, demanded nothing less for sure!

And the reason why the woman silently gawking knew this for a fact waaas. Because over half of her investment banker husband's wardrobe, surely consisted of nothing but the designer's crafty creations.

Then Patrice shrouded in Rick's delicious haze. Finally did remember her manners with the awkwardness growing by the second. Sheepishly with a smile apologized, then quickly introduced herself to the steely blue eyed, handsome man.

"Oh Sheriff Grimes, I'm so sorry! Where are my manners! I don't know if you remember me or not, but I'm Patrice Mills, Michonne's upstairs neighbor. Please do come in!"

"Thank you," Rick Grimes answered back clueless. And that's certainly was with a smile, along with a raspy voice that's messed up a plenty of women. "Yes, I do remember you ma'am. Your son Robby, mother-in-law Lucinda, and sister-in-law Rosemary as well. I met you all while in the park with Miss Rénald, remember? Ro even fixed up my hand when I had a deep cut in it."

"On what a memory!" gushed the woman, being the quintessential flirty southern belle. "Were you blessed with it or does it comes from years of training?"

And Rick blushing said, "A bit of both ma'am."

"Sheriff! Stooop! It's Pat please!"

"Only if you call me Rick, Pat."

Then "call me Rick, " gentlemanly held his hand out to shake hers just as a true honorable, southern gent should, in which Patrice gladly did reciprocate. With her also telling the handsome man, "Make yourself at home" as she left to go get Michonne.

And that in turn had the Sheriff man surly hoping the second time would be the charm. Because if that certain thing between him and his Miss Rénald was still like before. Then he will truly be at a lost for sure. Because just like earlier, making himself at home will still be just as elusive.

《▪▪▪▪▪》

Michonne standing in the middle with Maddie on one side, and Ro taking up her other flank. Definitely had all three, just looking speachless at her in the floor length mirror. That is until she and Maddie heard the nurse's, "Wow! Michonne, you...you do look, and please do 'pardon my French "darn good girl!"

Smiling wide, Maddie had to agree.

Michonne smirking ever wider said, "Yes-I-do-don't-I" just as Pat rushed in. Quickly noticing her and that dress!

"Hey no fair!" she pouted. "Why is it I'm five months pregnant and couldn't even see my feet standing up, hardly can laying down either! While you...you lawyer woman almost four, barely showing, and can see yours either way-Oh the Sheriff's waiting in the living room too!"

And Michonne with nothing to say, just because it was true. Turned and wordlessly shrugged her shoulders. Then did she began with the process of her strategically finishing up, getting ready to go.

First went on the gloves. Then next came the putting on of her one of a kind Vintage Cristobal Balenciaga. A reversible red liquid satin floor length, gold velvet lined empire waist, hooded evening coat. Then picking up her accurately packed, dress matching gold silk clutch purse. Politely headed out to where her not a real date date awaits her arrival.

《▪▪▪▪▪》

Sheriff Richard Zane Grimes IV, sitting with his back to everything. Naturally feeling nothing but Michonne Isabella Rénald. Most definitely felt Lovely's presents long before he ever heard her approaching. And him filled with a copious amount of anticipation took a very deep breath. Got up slowly, turned and met those eyes. Precisely when his Miss Rénald beautifully came sauntering in. And not alone either, because there was her inquisitive entourage not far behind.

But in all truth, his Beauty was all that the Sheriff man saw. Especially when both with an intense recognition, immediately acknowledged the other. Him with the quick nod of a most handsome head, connected with a heart racing smile-hers.

And time, minus any insecurities from both sides; hurts and or confusion for a small bit stood still. Where even though sharing the room with three other souls, it was only them two who mattered.

Sadly, just like a brief whiff of an alluring scent it was gone. And all due to an interruption that nearly had Michonne looking away.

"Boy, Sheriff. You really do clean up quite nicely don't you?" Ro declared.

And Pat an echo of her own kind said, "On yes he sure do, doesn't he!" Which fo' sure was so much louder than intended.

"Well thanks, both of you ladies!" the officer of the law said blushing. And surely unwilling tore his eyes away from his woman as well. And also embrarrassed, quickly rubbed the back of his neck just in order to busy his hand.

Whereas Michonne catching herself, and certainly all the way glad that Ro definitely had interrupted; only because a girl needed to stay on point. Pretended to be looking down to button a cape. And to be on the safe side, afterwards moved some ways away too!

Then Maddie with this being her first time of seeing the law man. Walked past Michonne with an out stretched hand to introduced herself. Clearly all the other ladies were just to slow in doing so. They were busy!

"Hello Sheriff Grimes, I'm Maddie Collins, Cody's mom. Nice to finally meet you."

And Rick glad to get that unwanted attention off of him, took her hand and shook it firmly.

"Nice to meet you too Dr. Collins," said the man with such a mesmerising southern drawl. "You have a very fine boy there. I hope you know that."

Maddie now truly seeing what all the hoopla, circulating around the man was all about. Certainly was pretty and more! Quickly let go of his hand, smiled and then replied back.

"Thank you, I know! Both his dad and I do. You know what else, Cody just thinks the world of you and your family too! And your son Carl's the little brother that my boy's been praying for forever too! Him and the party is all my Cody's been talking about. Especially since your parents invited him.

"Sheriff, Jon and I would turely love to say 'Thank you' too. We're not only two extremely busy parents, but two extremely loving parents. Who'd definitely would love to give our boy a sibling or two! But can't right now. So again thank you."

And Rick certainly surprised, chuckled. They all did!

"Well you're welcome ma'am," the law man smiled back. "Carl's wanted a sibling for a long time too. So I guess we're both doing the other quite the big favor. I hope if it's not any inconvenience to you and your husband. You'll allow Cody to come to my parent's farm's Christmas Eve Night Party too! We all would love it, especially Carl! In addition the two of you do know the invitation extends to you all as well. The more the merrier!"

And Ro feeling definitely left out made sure that she and hers wouldn't be.

"Hey! What about us?" she questioned pointing to herself and Pat. "Do we count as the 'more' that will make everything 'the merrier' too? Because if so-helloo! Didn't get an invite over hear!"

And that embarrassingly made the dashing law man in spite of himself giggle. He really couldn't help it.

"Yes ma'am. You and your family are just as welcome, no question about it!" he replied back amused. "And be prepared to spend the night too! Our Christmas Breakfast/Brunch is something else!"

"Are you sure, will there be enough room?" The nurse really knowing how to fain humility said.

"Oh, yeah I am, because there's always more than enough room. And if not we will make more just for you," said the Sheriff definitely knowing how to reciprocate. "My parent's farmhouse has at least five bedrooms. Then there's extra housing for the farmhands, their families, migrant workers, plus two big barns.

"Carl's already staked out a place for him, Cody, his other friends Dewayne, Patrick, Joey, and Mattie in addition to me. We're staying in the barn that holds the hay, and where the party will be held too. So there is plenty of room. Just like I said Ro, the more the merrier!"

And Rosemary Jennifer Mills, just as mischievous as the devil; politely went there. Because someone was just waay too quiet for her taste!

"Ah Michonne, where will you be staying?" devilishly asked the impish Ro while challenging her friend to answer truthfully. "The farmhouse, the farmhands's houses, or out in the barn with your Handsome!"

And Michonne telling the truth, and nothing but the truth be told said, "None of them, I wasn't invited."

The room suddenly went hush quiet.

And the Sheriff, with that smile now gone from his law man's face. Quickly lickety-split made his way over to where she stood. And pulling the young woman in without them ever touching said.

"Miss Rénald, you do know that you never ever need an invite for nothin'. Whatever it is, it's yours always! From the first time you laid eyes on our boy. And at harm to yourself, protected him when Lori and I wasn't there to do so ourselves! And that demands it! Now what did Dad call you the very first time he met you?"

"Daughter," said Michonne breathlessly as she willingly looked back at those serious blues, sincerely looking and tugging at her.

And Sheriff Rick Grimes, most definitely glad the young woman wasn't his dad's daughter. Breathlessly nodded in sync with his non-sister.

And his Miss Rénald purposely pulling herself away from that grip of his, less she forget (hot stank). Dutifully allowed her attention to be drawn elsewhere. Then in three quick moves, straightened the Sheriff's tie, took off one glove, and tamed those two reneagade curls with just the loving touch of an index finger.

Slow and precise, deliberately wrapped both around that one slender digit, just like Rick now found himself to be.

And Michonne's three fairy godmother's. One Puerto Rican, one Jewish, and the other definitely a walking talking Norwegian old Benetton Ad; Ro's wayfaring male ancestors, never were those to discriminate, assuredly loved a whole lot of women. And the proof...a Nigerian great-grandmother, as well as an ancestry test.

All three not only saw the heat percolating between the counselor and the Sheriff. Felt it too! And now most definitely were going to that Ball, even if it meant them going stag.